Britain may be failing a generation, effectively writing off young people with common mental health conditions like anxiety and depression by funneling them into long-term benefits, a government advisor has warned.
A ‘lost Generation’ on the Rise?
Nearly one million young Britons aged 16 to 24 are currently not in employment, education, or training, sparking concerns about a widening societal gap.
- Alan Milburn, commissioned by the government, is reviewing the situation of these “Neets” and will publish his findings this summer.
- Milburn argues that successive governments have prioritized older generations-through policies like the state pension triple lock-at the expense of young people.
- Nearly a third of Neets cite mental health or autism as reasons for being unable to work,but Milburn questions whether these conditions automatically disqualify individuals from employment.
- He suggests simplifying pathways to vocational training, mirroring the university admissions process.
The UK faces a “lost generation” of almost one million individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not engaged in work,schooling,or training,according to Alan Milburn,a former Labour cabinet minister. Milburn, tasked with reviewing the status of these young people-known as Neets-is expected to release his report this summer.
What proportion of adults experience mental health conditions? A surprising 83 percent, according to Milburn, highlighting the distinction between a clinical diagnosis and everyday experiences of anxiety or depression.
Milburn contends that governments have consistently made the “wrong choice” by investing in older demographics with policies such as the triple lock for state pensions, rather than prioritizing younger citizens. This, he warns, is creating a “moral, social and economic crisis.” He told reporters that the debate has been framed incorrectly, stating, “It is indeed a fiscal problem, but it’s a moral problem, it’s a social problem, it’s an economic problem. I think you’ve got a moral crisis.”
Approximately one-third of Neets are currently signed off work due to illness or disability, with the majority citing mental health concerns or autism as the primary reason. Milburn challenges the assumption that these conditions automatically preclude individuals from being able to work. “Anxiety is normal. Depression is normal,” he stated.”There’s a difference between a diagnosis and a disorder… people might have anxiety or depression, but it doesn’t mean that thus you should be written off for not being able to work.”
